Turkish international star was closely linked with a move to Liverpool according to the Express but opted to join Inter.

Erkin was reported to have been a candidate to replace Alberto Moreno at Liverpool but ended up signing a three-year deal with Inter as a free agent.

When asked why he snubbed other clubs to join Inter, Erkin was quoted by the Express as saying: “When I played against my friends from Galatasaray they raved about him… I cannot wait and am looking forward to working with him.

“I have arrived at a very important team and will give everything for Inter and I am very happy to be here.”

Liverpool could have signed the experienced Turkish international on a free contract but Inter ended up closing the deal.

Mancini did of course coach in Turkey, managing Istanbul giants Galatasaray who are arch rivals of Erkin’s former side Fenerbahce.

Erkin did however, used to play at Galatasaray as well and this will be his second stint outside Turkey following a brief spell at CSKA in his youth.